Voyager 1 has moved out of the solar system, traveling into interstellar space as it continues its journey more than 40 years after its launch Sept. 5, 1977 from Cape Canaveral.

Florida is critical to America’s space program. The only people ever to walk on the moon launched from Florida, and, eventually, the first humans to set foot on Mars will take off from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center.

President Donald Trump has done both NASA and Florida a favor by nominating Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA administrator. Jim is a strong leader who is the right choice to lead what I hope will be a reinvigorated space program.

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Jim’s leadership is rooted in the fact that he is a bona fide American hero. As a Navy pilot, Jim flew combat missions off the USS Abraham Lincoln in both Iraq and Afghanistan, earning military decorations for his “heroic achievement,” and for “often placing himself at great personal risk.”

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis (Courtesy photo)

When Jim and I entered Congress together in 2013, we were both officers in the Navy Reserve. Jim soon realized that, due to separation of powers concerns, members of Congress who are also Reserve officers were not permitted to fly. Jim’s solution was to transfer to the Oklahoma Air National Guard, which, as a state-based institution, does not present the same separation of power concerns as serving in the U.S. Navy. Jim currently continues to serve in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, placing service above self.

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Jim’s exceptional leadership as a Navy pilot gives him the management experience necessary to effectively lead the men and women at NASA as we approach the next frontier of space exploration.

As NASA administrator, Jim will bring to the agency a deep knowledge of American space policy. He is one of the few members of Congress who has made space issues a priority, and other members of Congress go to him for guidance. As a member of the Space subcommittee in the House, Jim has been intricately involved in crafting bipartisan legislation to reauthorize NASA, promote the commercial space industry, and improve space-based weather forecasting. His legislative experience will make him a valuable asset to NASA and will allow Jim to effectively advocate for the federal funding and policies needed to ensure NASA remains the global leader in space exploration and scientific innovation.

Jim recognizes Florida’s importance as a hub of the American space industry. His policy initiatives regarding space issues have been beneficial to our state and he has provided personal assurances to me that Florida will be key as the space enterprise continues to evolve.

Jim’s heroism, knowledge of space policy and recognition of Florida’s importance regarding space are just some of the reasons why his nomination has garnered incredible support from Florida stakeholders, including Space Florida, as well as his colleagues in Congress.

NASA has instilled wonder and curiosity in millions and its discoveries have positively impacted the lives of every single American. Yet there remains work to be done. Fully recognizing these opportunities will require visionary leadership and passion from NASA. Jim Bridenstine will bring that leadership.

I am honored to call Jim Bridenstine a friend and incredibly excited about the prospects of his leading our space agency. He will be a positive force for our state and our nation. I urge my friends in the Senate to quickly confirm his nomination so we can continue to lead in space.